Young People’s Ballet Theatre announces 2012-13 Season

Young People’s Ballet Theatre has announced the lineup for the 2012-13 Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Season. The four-production season kicked off on Saturday, September 15th at the University of Michigan Flint Theatre at the First Annual Announcement Party. Dancers performed selections from Paquita and Le Corsaire. The evening included a celebration of 25 years for YPBT, and the accomplishments of founder, Denise Paavola.

For the Christmas season, YPBT presents its annual Breakfast with Santa. This year’s event will feature a new lineup of dances, including selections from the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. Also this year there will be a new work for the entire company. A visit by Santa and pancake breakfast rounds out this event on Saturday, December 1, 2012, at The Paavilion, 5251 Commerce Rd, Flint. Tickets are $7.

The main event of the season runs March 7 to 10, 2013, at the University of Michigan Flint Theatre. This year’s production includes two ballets: a re-staging of a YPBT favorite,Bottom of the Ninth, and a Flint premier, Goodnight Moon. In Bottom of the Ninth, Dale Brannon’s playful interpretation of a baseball game during the WWII era is portrayed by interesting characters through comedy, fun, and fantastic dancing. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this energetic and nostalgic story. YPBT is fortunate to be working with Mr. Brannon again this year, a former dancer with the Stuttgart Ballet.

YPBT welcomes choreographer Joe Curry for a Flint premier of his ballet Goodnight Moon. Goodnight Moon is a great ballet that brings Margaret Wise Brown’s story and Clement Hurd’s illustrations to life. Mr. Curry has put together a wonderful work that will have children of all ages engaged. YPBT is thrilled to be working with Mr. Curry, a former principal dancer with North Carolina Dance Theatre, and current Artistic Director of Flat River Dance Company. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for children. Discounted group pricing is also available.

The season concludes with the annual Spring Gala, featuring the beautiful classical ballet Chopiniana. Chopiniana, also known as Les Sylphide, is a timeless classic about a young poet and the sylphs who are his muses. The ballet was first choreographed by Michel Fokine, with music by Chopin. The performance will also include works done in both Jazz and Contemporary styles, and special appearances by professional guest artists. June 1, 2013, at The Paavilion, $7 per person.

Subscriptions for season tickets will be available through November 1, 2012. Subscribers receive priority seating for performances. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa will be on sale beginning November 2, 2012.

Call 810.905.3901 for tickets or ticket information.

About Young People’s Ballet Theatre
Under the artistic direction of Nicholas and Laura Schultz, YPBT strives to provide exceptional dance training for children and adults of all ages, produce professional quality classical ballets which give young dancers the opportunity to work with professional artists, and bring family-friendly and affordable performances to the Flint community. YPBT is a 501c3 organization. Ypbt.org